The world’s biggest design fair returns this April, bringing with it the usual mix of spectacle, subversion and even the odd bit of scent-infused storytelling. From fashion houses reviving modernist icons to tech giants sculpting light into shape, Milan Design Week 2025 is as much about ideas as it is about objects.
Whether you're navigating Salone proper or chasing off-schedule gems around town, the city becomes a living museum of the present-future – one giant, buzzing moodboard of what design means now.
Here, we’ve handpicked the standout Milan Design Week 2025 shows, talks and installations worth carving out time for. Just bring comfortable shoes, an open mind and an appetite for the unexpected.
Not In Milan by Highsnobiety
8–11 April 2025, MAGMA, Via Vezza D’Oglio 14
A group exhibition exploring iconic design reinterpretations, with a table lamp focus by designboom.
Saint Laurent – Charlotte Perriand
8–13 April 2025, Padiglione Visconti, Via Tortona 58
Anthony Vaccarello curates four rare Perriand furniture pieces, reissued and shown publicly for the first time.
Prada Frames – In Transit
6–8 April 2025, Padiglione Reale & Arlecchino train, Milan Central Station
Formafantasma’s symposium examines infrastructure and mobility through talks by global thought leaders.
DRIFT x Audi – Drift Us
7–13 April 2025, Portrait Milano Hotel, Corso Venezia 11
A kinetic installation exploring wind and movement, presented in Audi’s House of Progress.
Isola Design Festival 2025
7–13 April 2025, BasicVillage, Via dell’Aprica 12
Returning with the theme ‘Design is Human,’ Isola highlights ethical, artisanal, and digital practices.
Es Devlin – Library of Light
7–21 April 2025, Pinacoteca di Brera, Cortile d’Onore
A kinetic sculpture of 2,000 illuminated books, offering readings and space for reflection.
Alcova 2025
7–13 April 2025, Varedo (multiple locations)
Expands to four unique sites including historic villas and a former factory, hosting site-specific works.
Google – Making the Invisible Visible
7–13 April 2025, Garage 21, Milan
Ivy Ross and Lachlan Turczan present a light- and tech-driven sensory installation on perception.
Aesop – The Second Skin
7–13 April 2025, Chiesa del Carmine, Milan
Aesop creates a scent-led, tactile installation inspired by skin and Milanese thresholds.
MycoWorks – Reishi™ Design Collection
6–11 April 2025, Fondazione Rodolfo Ferrari, Via Biella 6
A showcase of mycelium-based designs by Studio Tooj and Fanny Perrier, themed around material futures.
Range Rover – Futurespective: Connected Worlds
7–11 April 2025, Palazzo Belgioioso 2, Milan
A two-part immersive experience tracing Range Rover’s evolution from the 1970s to the future.
Vans – Checkered Future: Frequency Manifest
7–13 April 2025, Triennale Milano, Viale Emilio Alemagna 6
Willo Perron and Tim Hecker reinterpret sound and design in a futuristic brand experience.
Frozen by Tokujin Yoshioka
8–13 April 2025, Palazzo Landriani, Via Borgonuovo 25
An immersive light installation centred on the Aqua Chair, presented with Grand Seiko.
ISSEY MIYAKE – TYPE-XIII
7–13 April 2025, ISSEY MIYAKE Store, Via Bagutta 12
A-POC ABLE and atelier oï unveil metal-fabric hybrid lighting designs.
Gufram – Italian Radical Design
8–13 April 2025, Rho Fiera Milano, Hall 22P – Booth B30
Gufram debuts new works and playful reissues including the Mano seat and Boring Cactus®.
ETEL – Audacious Modernism: Oscar Niemeyer in Italia
7–12 April 2025, Via Maroncelli 13, Milan
Exhibition of Niemeyer’s Italian projects, featuring rare drawings and re-edited furniture pieces.
Next up: 10 of Milan's best restaurants.
